To get the most out of my workout, a crucial part of the preparation is deciding what I use to fuel my body as I prepare to sweat. You wouldn’t take your car on a road trip without filling it up with gas. You need to think of your body as your engine. It’s important to prep our bodies with proper nutrition to maximize our efforts in the gym. Consuming the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein will get you through your training.
I’m sharing my five (5) favorite pre-workout snacks. Please note that everybody’s goals and nutritional needs are different. There is no one-size-fits-all for food or fitness, so what works for me and my body may be different for you. Listen to your body. How does it respond to the food you are eating? Feel energized and powerful? That is a good indicator that what you eat is working for you.
Shanie's Top 5 Pre-Workout Snacks
1. Avocado toast on sprouted grain bread
2. Overnight oats with peanut butter
3. Granola with almond milk and a sliced banana
4. Perfect Bar
5. Baked sweet potato
I make sure to give my body an hour to digest before I get in the ring, that way I can move freely and best utilize the energy from my snack.
If you’re short on time and can’t prepare a full snack, protein shakes and smoothies can be a great option to supplement your nutritional needs. Here’s a quick video and recipe for one of my favorite protein superfood smoothies.
What Are The Best Pre-Workout Snacks?
With so many prepackaged and prepared pre-workout snacks out there, it can be difficult to decide which pre-workout snacks are the best for you. First, you should consider your body’s nutritional needs and your workout goals. Some packaged foods can carry the right balance of nutrients, while others may just be full of sugar and additives. Even though prepared snacks may be faster to grab on-the-go, meal prep, and snack prep ahead of time could be your best option. Many pre-workout snacks are easy to prepare with simple ingredients ahead of time.
If you’re short on time and can’t prepare a full snack, protein shakes and smoothies can be a great option to supplement your nutritional needs.
What Should I Look For In a Pre-Workout Snack?
When deciding on a pre-workout snack, finding the right balance of foods is key. Ideally, pre-workout snacks will have a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to fuel your workout. Everyone’s nutritional needs and fitness goals are different, so listen to your body and decide what foods work for you and what foods don’t.
How Long Should I Wait After Eating Before Exercising?
We recommended waiting about one (1) hour after eating a pre-workout snack to exercise. This way the body has enough time to digest and the nutrients and energy from the food are fully absorbed. The time can depend on the size and complexity of the snack, but usually, one hour is ample time.
Do I Need a Pre-Workout Snack?
We recommend that you have some sort of snack prior to exercising. The right balance of nutrients will keep you in shape and energized for your workout.
For more tips and tricks for staying motivated, check out my video below.
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